KLM Cityhopper Celebrates 60 Years: From Regional Airline to Driving Force of KLM’s European Network
KLM Cityhopper is celebrating its 60th anniversary today. What began in 1966 as Nederlandse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (NLM), with two leased Fokker aircraft and a handful of domestic routes, has grown into an indispensable part of KLM’s network. With 58 aircraft, more than 80 destinations, and over 350 daily flights, KLM Cityhopper connects Europe with the world through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
KLM Cityhopper plays a key role in Schiphol’s hub operations. Each year, it carries around 11 million passengers to destinations across the continent. Passengers from throughout Europe fly with KLM Cityhopper to Amsterdam to connect to KLM’s intercontinental flights. At the same time, travelers from around the world connect through Schiphol to more than 80 European destinations. In this way, KLM Cityhopper contributes to the Netherlands’ global connectivity and KLM’s extensive route network. Destinations added to the network in recent seasons include Biarritz, Exeter, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Cork, Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo.
“Sixty years ago, KLM Cityhopper began as a small regional airline. Today, we are an essential part of KLM’s network and play a key role in connecting Europe with the world. This growth is primarily due to the dedication and commitment of our employees. With that same entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, we will continue building the future of regional aviation,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper.
History
KLM Cityhopper traces its roots to NLM, which was founded in 1966 to provide fast connections between different regions of the Netherlands. Over the following decades, its network steadily expanded to include destinations across Europe. The Cityhopper name was added in 1976, followed by a merger with NetherLines in 1991 and the integration of KLM UK, ultimately creating KLM Cityhopper.
A Testing Ground for Innovation
As a smaller, agile organization, KLM Cityhopper regularly tests innovations for the broader KLM organization. This enables it to play a pioneering role in operational optimization, sustainability, and new ways of working.
One example is the introduction of virtual reality training for KLM Cityhopper pilots—a valuable and sustainable training method that supplements conventional simulator and in-flight training. Another example is OptiClimb, an application that helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions during the climb phase of a flight. Based on flight data such as weight, weather conditions, aircraft type, and route, OptiClimb recommends a speed to the flight crew that allows the aircraft to reach cruising altitude as efficiently as possible.
KLM Cityhopper is also taking part in The Aviation Challenge for the fourth year. As part of the challenge, it is testing new solutions involving artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuels, weight reduction, reduced food waste, and the electrification of ground operations.
A Quiet, Fuel-Efficient, and Effective Fleet
KLM Cityhopper remains focused on advancing regional aviation. In the coming years, it will concentrate on further optimizing its network, adding new destinations, and maintaining a modern, efficient, and sustainable fleet.
After operating aircraft made by Dutch manufacturer Fokker for several decades, the airline opted for an Embraer fleet in 2008. Today, Embraer aircraft form the backbone of its operations. The latest-generation Embraer E195-E2 is one of today’s quietest, most fuel-efficient, and most effective passenger aircraft.